First Responders React to Deadly Wreck on I-565

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The investigation continues into Wednesday’s deadly wreck on Interstate 565 near Mooresville road. 26-year-old Marissa Baugher of Athens died at Huntsville Hospital. Police also confirm Baugher’s unborn son, Micah, was killed. Police say Frederick Bender, 66, of Hoover also died in the crash. They say Bender was driving a silver Toyota Avalon on I-565 when he lost control and smashed head on into Baugher’s black Chevy Equinox.

First responders told WHNT News 19 that the scene of the crash was a true tragedy. No matter how many calls they receive a day, it never gets easier.

“It’s about as bad as it gets,” said Chief Ron Burgess of the Segar Volunteer Fire Department, talking about Wednesday’s wreck. There are 18 people on the Segars VFD roster right now. Burgess said there are several who work for HEMSI that are also associated with the fire department.

“They are a little more accustomed to handling it I guess you could say, but even with the folks that have been at it awhile, it still gets difficult especially when there is a child involved.”

Burgess said it’s important to make sure his force is all accounted for, mentally and emotionally. “We do try to talk it out,” he said. “I make sure everyone gets a little bit of talking time, make sure everyone’s okay.”

He said even after years, it never gets easier. “While these things can be exteremely devestating for the families, first responders on all sides see this regularly and it does get difficult to deal with.”